Joseph Borrel, in Tehran, February 3, 2020. - Vahid Salemi / AP / SIPA

European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell apologized on Saturday after he was stirred up by his criticism of a "Greta syndrome" over the involvement of young protesters against climate change. "I want to apologize to all those who may have been offended by my inappropriate reference to the important movement of young people fighting against climate change," tweeted the Spaniard.

Just coming back from US trip, and I want to apologize to anyone that may have felt offended by my inappropriate reference to the important youth movement fighting #climatechange

- Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) February 8, 2020

During a debate Wednesday in the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, 72, had questioned the seriousness of the commitment of the young demonstrators mobilized around Greta Thunberg, suggesting that they did not realize the cost of the measures necessary to stop the Warming. Referring to a "Greta syndrome", he said: "It is very good to go out and demonstrate against climate change as long as you are not asked to contribute to the cost". "I would like to know if these young people (...) are aware of what these measures will cost them," he had questioned.

"Completely ridiculous"

The group of Green MEPs, who broadcast the controversial video clip, found the comments "unacceptable from an EU representative". The fight against climate change is a priority for the Ursula von der Leyen Commission, which is engaged in the implementation of a "Green Pact" aiming at carbon neutrality of the EU by 2050.

Anuna De Wever, figurehead of the mobilization of high school and university students in Belgium, had judged Friday at a demonstration in Brussels "completely ridiculous" that a European official can put forward this question of cost. "All the scientists say that if we do nothing, it will cost us a lot more," said the 18-year-old.

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